[dsfyu404ed]

I think you're painting with a very broad brush there.

NDAs and non-competes have their uses. It's when they become part of the default boilerplate that everyone signs to get a job that the problems start.

[AnaniasAnanas]

> NDAs and non-competes have their uses

I have yet to see a valid use that does not hinder whistle-blowing, the advancement of technology, or does not abuse the employees. I am sure that you will find a few valid use-cases if you try hard enough, however in the vast majority of cases they are used in order to repress the rights of others.

[navigatesol]

>I have yet to see a valid use that does not hinder whistle-blowing

The legal system isn't static. If your company is breaking the law and you report it to authorities, your NDA will be unenforceable.